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Your giggles echoed through the training hall as you zipped past the wooden pillars, bare feet slapping against cold stone.
“Too slow!” you taunted, barely glancing back.
Kuai Liang tripped over his own momentum and went down with a dramatic thud, limbs splayed out like a fallen starfish.
“That doesn’t count,” he whined, pushing himself up. “You’re cheating.”
“You say that every time,” Tomás chimed in from the sidelines, leaning against the wall with a grin, arms crossed. “At some point, you gotta accept she’s just faster.”
Kuai shot him an offended look. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I’m on the side of truth,” Tomás said solemnly, before breaking into laughter as you darted past him as well.
“And truth says you’re slow too!” you giggled, glancing back at Tomás. He grinned at you before launching himself into the chase.
Soon, the three of you were tearing through the temple halls, laughter and shouts bouncing off the walls as you wove between pillars and each other.
All the while, a pair of brown eyes tracked your every movement.
Bi-Han stood off to the side, squinting slightly, his mouth pulled into a familiar disapproving frown.
Unlike you and his brothers, he had never been one for reckless play.
He preferred staying close to his mother, enjoying what little peace he could when his father wasn’t pressing responsibilities and lessons onto his shoulders.
Still, that didn’t mean he didn’t want to join in sometimes.
Especially when it meant watching you smile.
“Bi-Han, dear,” his mother said gently behind him, “why don’t you go play with them?”
He tore his gaze away from you and looked at her, hesitating only a moment before nodding. Rising to his feet, he headed toward the chaos, already bracing himself for the inevitable headache.
You really should have been watching where you were going.
You turned just in time to see Bi-Han step into your path, far too close for you to stop.
“Oof!” you wheezed as you collided with him.
Bi-Han let out a grunt as the impact sent both of you tumbling to the ground, landing flat on his back with you sprawled atop him. The air rushed from his lungs, and he lay there stunned.
For a moment, neither of you moved.
You lay there, panting, hearts racing as you both tried to catch your breath, the noise of the temple fading into the background.
“…You’re heavy,” he muttered, voice strained.
You blinked, your brain restarting with a jolt.
“Oh!” You scrambled instantly, palms pressing to his chest as you pushed yourself up and rolled to the side. “I’m sorry! I didn’t see you!”
Bi-Han sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his head. The familiar frown was already back in place, carefully assembled like armor. “You should watch where you’re going.”
You stuck your tongue out at him. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t appear out of nowhere like a ghost.”
Kuai Liang skidded to a stop nearby, hands braced on his knees. “Did she tackle you?”
“She tackled him,” Tomás confirmed helpfully, jogging over with a grin that clearly planned to live off this moment for years.
Bi-Han shot them a glare sharp enough to freeze the air. “I was standing still.”
“That makes it worse,” Tomás said, laughing.
You giggled, pushing yourself to your feet and brushing dust from your legs. Then you hesitated, turning back and holding out a hand to Bi-Han. “Are you okay?”
He stared at your hand like it was an unfamiliar weapon.
Then, slowly, he took it.
Your fingers were smaller than his, warmer too. When you pulled, he rose easily, but he didn’t let go right away. His grip lingered, uncertain, like he didn’t quite know what to do with something so gentle.
You beamed at him, the smile softening into something apologetic.
“I’m sorry I ran into you,” you said quietly.
His ears went pink. He stared at you for a second too long before looking away. “…It’s okay.”
Kuai Liang noticed instantly. “Oh,” he said, eyes lighting up. “He's blushing.”
“I am not,” Bi-Han snapped, yanking his hand back far too quickly.
Tomás leaned down toward you and whispered conspiratorially, “He does that a lot around you.”
“I do not,” Bi-Han growled, arms crossing tight over his chest.
You giggled, shaking your head before turning back to him, smile bright again.
“Come play with us!” You darted forward, lightly tapping his arm. “You’re it!”
You took off laughing, Kuai and Tomás whooping as they followed.
Bi-Han hesitated, watching them for half a second. Then he shook his head and ran after you, a small, unguarded smile tugging at his lips.
“Too slow!” you called over your shoulder.
He surged forward, determined not to be.
“Bi-Han,” you pouted as you waltzed into his room without knocking.
He paused, turning slightly toward you with a small frown. “Ever heard of knocking?”
“Bi-Haaaan,” you whined again, flopping dramatically onto his bed. “I’m gonna die.”
He rolled his eyes and turned back to his work, resolutely pretending you did not exist. He was absolutely not prepared to deal with whatever this was today.
“Bi-Han, don’t ignore meee,” you complained, drawing out the last word. “Pay attention!”
He sighed through his nose, eyes fixed on the paper in front of him as his jaw tightened. Ignoring you was a skill. A necessary one.
You huffed and sat up, clearly offended. Then you stood and sauntered over to him, movements slow and deliberate.
Before he could react, your arms slipped around his neck as you leaned over his back, cheek pressing against his shoulder. Your face tucked neatly into the crook of his neck.
“Bi-Han…” you murmured.
He froze.
His eyes widened just slightly as he sucked in a sharp breath, then forced himself to exhale slowly, like that might somehow regain control of the situation.
“…What?” he grunted.
You nuzzled his neck, humming softly. A smirk tugged at your lips when you felt the shiver he tried and failed to suppress.
“Pay attention to me,” you whispered, voice gentle as you leaned closer, breath warm against his skin.
Bi-Han let out a low, frustrated grunt. Heat rushed to his face, ears burning bright red as his heart kicked into an unhelpful sprint. He focused hard, instinctively cooling his body in a desperate attempt to hide the evidence of his embarrassment.
Unfortunately, teenage hormones were not impressed by discipline.
He cleared his throat, far more forcefully than necessary.
“…I am,” he muttered.
“You’re ignoring me,” you pouted.
“I’m busy,” he shot back without looking up.
“And?” you replied, tone turning unapologetically bratty. “I’m here. Give me attention.”
Bi-Han sighed deeply, a pronounced crease forming between his brows as his patience thinned by the second.
You knew Bi-Han had a crush on you. It was painfully obvious to everyone, including yourself. He was always more tolerant with you, always indulging your antics when anyone else would have been shut down immediately. He never stayed mad at you for long, and more often than not, he’d agree to attend certain events solely because you were going to be there.
It didn’t take a genius to see it. He’d had a soft spot for you since you were children.
Now, though, you were well into your teenage years. On the cusp of adulthood. And despite everything, he’d never once tried to make a move.
If anything, he did the opposite.
Any time someone teased him or confronted him about his painfully obvious feelings, he shut it down without hesitation.
Cold.
Detached.
He’d insist he saw you as nothing more than a strong clan member, someone useful to the future of the Lin Kuei.
With his brothers, it was worse. A sharp glare. A clipped dismissal. Then he’d walk away as if the conversation had never happened.
It hurt, more than you liked to admit, because you liked him just as much. But you understood, even if it stung. He was the Grandmaster’s son, after all.
And image, in the Lin Kuei, was everything.
Eventually, you took a sliver of mercy on him and unlatched yourself, retreating to sprawl dramatically across his bed like a wounded hero.
“Your father has been killing us,” you complained, flinging an arm over your eyes. “All these drills, all this training. I can’t take it.”
You let out an exaggerated whine, clearly suffering. Tragically. Unfairly.
Bi-Han glanced over at you at last, unimpressed but listening anyway.
“My legs have never been so sore in my life,” you harrumphed, flopping them dramatically as if that alone would prove your suffering.
That was when it hit you.
A brilliant, terrible idea sparked to life, a small, sinister smirk curling at your lips.
“Bi-Han,” you purred softly.
He stiffened at the sound of his name, hesitating before finally turning his head toward you. You were already pouting.
“My legs really, really hurt,” you continued, voice syrupy. “Can you please massage them?”
His brow furrowed deeply. His eyes flicked to your legs for half a second before he looked away again, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
“…Why me?” he muttered. “Go ask Tomás or Kuai.”
You scoffed quietly and leaned up on your elbows. “You can make your hands cold,” you pointed out, dragging the words out. “Pretty please?”
You batted your lashes for emphasis. Unethical, but effective.
“I won’t bother you after this,” you added sweetly.
It wasn’t entirely a lie. You did want to fluster him. But your legs genuinely ached, and if anyone could fix that, it was him.
Bi-Han frowned even harder, jaw tightening as he weighed his options. After a moment, he let out an irritated sigh, defeated.
He set his pen down carefully then turned toward you and sat at the edge of the bed.
“Just… don’t make this weird,” he muttered.
You snorted, nodding obediently as you settled onto your stomach. You crossed your arms beneath your head and rested your cheek on them, feet dangling lazily off the edge of the bed.
Bi-Han hesitated.
His hand hovered over your ankle for a moment, fingers flexing as if bracing himself. Then, carefully, he wrapped his hand around it and lifted your foot, thumbs pressing into the tense sole.
You hissed sharply, your leg jolting in surprise before relaxing again.
“Sorry,” you mumbled, a little sheepish. “They’re really sore.”
He didn’t respond, focus narrowing as his thumbs worked slow, deliberate circles into the tight knots. The tension eased under his touch, his movements surprisingly gentle.
After a moment, he shifted his grip, hands sliding up to your calf. His brows knit together at the tight muscle beneath his fingers.
“Are you stretching before training?” he asked quietly.
You hummed and shrugged, eyes still closed. “Don’t have time. I always wake up late.”
He clicked his tongue softly in disapproval.
“That’s how you get hurt,” he murmured, hands steady as he continued.
“I know,” you huffed softly. “I’ll try to stretch properly next time.”
He hummed in response, clearly unconvinced, as his thumbs pressed into a particularly sensitive knot.
You whimpered despite yourself, your leg twitching at the sharp ache. You grit your teeth, riding it out until the tension finally gave way. A soft sigh slipped from you as the tightness eased.
Bi-Han stilled for half a second.
He bit his lip and looked away, gathering himself, very deliberately pretending he hadn’t heard a thing. After a moment, he turned back and resumed his work, movements careful and precise, as if focus alone could keep his thoughts in line.
His gaze lingered longer this time, taking you in where you lay sprawled across his bed. You looked calm. Comfortable.
Relaxed in his presence.
A faint smile tugged at Bi-Han’s lips as he finished working through your leg, fingers checking carefully for any lingering knots before moving to the other. He shifted his grip, guiding your foot gently as he started again, thumbs pressing into familiar tension.
He’d just moved from your heel to the base of your calf when the door burst open.
“Brother, Mother is—”
Kuai stopped short.
His eyes flicked from Bi-Han’s hands on your leg, to you sprawled comfortably on the bed, then back to his brother’s face.
Bi-Han tensed instantly, withdrawing his hands like he’d been burned. He shot Kuai a sharp glare that could have frozen the air.
“Kuai,” you greeted cheerfully, lifting your head slightly.
Kuai recovered fast. A slow smirk spread across his face as he tilted his head at you. “Hey, Y/n. Wasn’t expecting to see you here.” His brow lifted, clearly entertained.
You grinned back, entirely unbothered. “My legs were sore,” you said lightly. “So I asked Bi-Han if he could give me a massage.”
Kuai’s gaze slid back to Bi-Han, whose ears had already started turning red.
“Ah,” Kuai said, far too pleased. “Is that all?”
Bi-Han’s glare deepened.
“Mmm, yeah…” you sighed contentedly. “He’s really good at it.”
Kuai’s brow climbed even higher before he let out a quiet snicker. "Sorry I walked in on that, then. Next time I’ll try knocking,” he said, amusement dripping from his voice.
“Yeah,” you added with a playful pout. “Could’ve scored a back massage too, but someone ruined it.”
“What do you want?” Bi-Han cut in, voice low and clearly done with this conversation.
Kuai pressed his lips together, barely containing his laughter, before clearing his throat and straightening up.
“…Mother has finished dinner,” he said. “She’s asking if you’ll be joining us.”
Bi-Han grunted in response, already rising to his feet. He nodded once, composure snapping back into place like a shield.
You shifted on the bed, sitting up as Kuai turned to you with an easy smile.
“Since you’re already here,” he said lightly, “I’m sure Mother wouldn’t mind having an extra guest.”
You smiled back, softer now, nodding. “I wouldn’t mind joining.”
Bi-Han scoffed, crossing his arms as he muttered something under his breath.
You stood and brushed past him, fingers briefly squeezing his arm. “Thank you,” you said softly before heading out the door toward the dining room.
Bi-Han blinked.
A hand clapped down on his shoulder.
He turned sharply, glaring at Kuai.
“You should just tell her how you feel,” Kuai said, shaking his head. “You’re not subtle. At all.”
Bi-Han shrugged him off with a scowl. “I do not have feelings for her. Those are distractions. I see her as nothing more than a… friend,” he said dismissively, as if saying it enough times would make it true.
Kuai frowned. “We both know that’s a lie. And stop saying that. She could overhear you someday, and you’d hurt her.”
“Good,” Bi-Han snapped. “Then she’d be properly informed instead of being fed delusions by idiots like you.”
Kuai stared after him as Bi-Han stalked out of the room, jaw tight, shoulders tense.
When Bi-Han entered the dining room, he stopped short.
You were seated beside Tomás, listening as he murmured something quietly in your ear. You smiled at whatever he said.
Tomás looked up, met Bi-Han’s eyes, and slowly shook his head.
Bi-Han’s frown deepened.
Without a word, he walked briskly to his seat and sat down, posture rigid, gaze fixed anywhere but you.
“Oh, Y/N, dear! Will you be joining us tonight?”
Bi-Han’s mother appeared in the doorway carrying a large pot. Kuai stepped in beside her, immediately taking it from her hands and setting it at the center of the table before sliding into the seat across from you.
You smiled softly and nodded. “Yes, Grandmistress. If you don’t mind.”
She scoffed lightly, waving a hand as she moved closer. “Please, drop the formalities, child. We’ve known each other since you were all little. You and the boys are close,” she said fondly. “Especially Bi-Han. You’re practically family already.”
Your eyes flicked, just briefly, toward Bi-Han.
He was already looking at you.
You glanced away, shaking your head with a small laugh. “Sorry… habit. Thank you for the meal.”
Bi-Han’s mother smiled warmly and leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head before taking her seat and serving herself.
The conversation flowed easily around the table, laughter and teasing filling the space. You and Tomás traded playful jabs back and forth, prompting amused laughter from Kuai and his mother.
Bi-Han ate in silence, eyes drifting toward you more often than he cared to admit. You were animated, smiling, fully engaged with everyone else.
Just not him.
You didn’t look his way once. Didn’t acknowledge him. It was as if you’d decided, very deliberately, that he simply wasn’t there.
Bi-Han’s brow furrowed as he stared down into his bowl, appetite fading as something sour settled in his chest.
When dinner came to an end, you stood and offered Bi-Han’s mother a polite bow, your smile warm and sincere. “The food was amazing. Thank you so much for having me over.”
“Of course, dear,” she replied fondly. “I expect to see you again soon. Don’t forget about us.”
“I won’t,” you promised.
Tomás pushed his chair back and stood beside you. “I’ll walk her out.”
You waved lightly to the table before turning and linking your arm with his, letting him guide you toward the door.
Bi-Han watched you leave without a word.
“Such a sweet girl,” his mother mused warmly once you were gone. “Why don’t you find someone like her, Bi-Han?”
Bi-Han’s grip tightened around his chopsticks, a low grunt slipping from him as he kept his eyes on his plate.
“You should consider her as a potential partner in the future,” she continued thoughtfully. “She’d be perfect for you, you know.”
Bi-Han’s frown deepened, gaze fixed on his food as if it suddenly required his full concentration.
“Don’t bother, Mother,” Kuai said flatly, glancing at his brother before shaking his head. “I think he’s made it pretty clear he’s not interested in her. Or people in general.” He snickered under his breath.
“Quiet,” Bi-Han growled, shooting him a sharp look before exhaling slowly. “I’m… not interested in anyone yet, Mother,” he added more softly.
His mother hummed, studying him for a moment, eyes knowing but patient. “Very well,” she said at last. “Finish your meal and clean up. Remember to complete your homework before your father returns. You too, Kuai.”
“Yes, Mother,” Kuai replied easily.
Bi-Han nodded once in agreement, still staring down at his plate.
Schlick!
You barely dodged the kunai as it sliced through the air where your face had been a second earlier. You cursed under your breath, boots skidding against the ground as you snapped your focus back to the figure in front of you.
“Try harder, Scorpion,” you taunted, lips curling as you twirled your weapon lazily in your hand.
Kuai scoffed, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Stop trying to act tough. You barely dodged that.”
“Says you,” you shot back, already lunging forward again.
The training grounds rang with the sound of movement and steel as the two of you circled each other. You’d asked Kuai to spar with you after realizing you were slipping in a few areas. He’d agreed without hesitation, and several rounds later, the session had turned into equal parts training and friendly violence.
Corrections were shouted mid-fight. Laughter followed bruises.
“Too slow,” you giggled, ducking under his fist and twisting behind him. With practiced ease, you maneuvered him into a tight hold, locking his arm and pinning him in place. “Did you learn nothing from when we were kids?”
Kuai groaned, struggling for half a second before giving up. He tapped your arm in surrender, laughing despite himself. “Whatever.”
You released him, grinning, while he rolled his eyes and shook his head, a smile still firmly in place.
Some things never changed.
You wandered over to your things and plopped down, grabbing your water bottle. You chugged half of it in one go before letting out a deep sigh. “What a workout.”
“No kidding,” Kuai huffed as he dropped down beside you. You offered him the bottle, and he took it gratefully. “At least you’re improving,” he added quietly.
You hummed in agreement, leaning back as you focused on catching your breath.
A shadow fell over you.
“Tomás, you’re killing my vibe,” you muttered teasingly without even looking up.
He laughed and flicked your forehead lightly before stepping aside. “Sorry to tell you, but you’re definitely not getting a tan. It’s winter.”
“You never know,” you shrugged, utterly unbothered. “My beauty needs might surpass the seasons themselves.”
Kuai snorted into the water bottle.
Tomás just shook his head, smiling.
“How was the mission?” Kuai asked.
Tomás shrugged. “Same old, same old. Tracked the guy down, roughed him up a little, got the information we needed.”
You gasped loudly, clutching your chest in mock horror. “You beat up a poor soul? You monster.”
“Oh, shut up,” Tomás said, rolling his eyes. “And I didn’t beat him up. I just intimidated him a bit. He cracked easy.”
You laughed, turning a teasing smile on him. “You? Intimidating? Please. I remember when you were basically a small chipmunk.”
Kuai glanced between you two, already entertained.
“I was taller than you,” you added smugly. “By a lot.”
Tomás scoffed. “That was a growth delay.”
“That was a personality trait,” you shot back.
Kuai snorted, shaking his head as Tomás muttered something under his breath, thoroughly offended and absolutely not denying it.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself, midget?” Tomás shot back smugly. “You’re still the same height you were at twelve.”
Your jaw dropped as you shoved him hard in the shoulder, pouting while he laughed. “I am not! I’ll have you know I grew an additional three inches!”
“Oh,” Kuai chimed in, snickering. “So… not much of a difference?”
“Not you too,” you whined, crossing your arms. “Bullies. All of you.”
“You started it,” Tomás laughed.
“Shut up!” you giggled, nudging him again. “Bi-Han would never treat me like this.”
Both of them snorted at the same time.
“Right,” Tomás said dryly. “He’d worship the ground you walk on while aggressively denying that he’s doing it.”
Kuai nodded. “With a scowl.”
“And blushing,” Tomás added.
You laughed, shaking your head. “Shh. Don’t let him hear you saying that. He might make us do extra rounds tonight.”
“You mean us?” Tomás echoed, pointing between himself and Kuai.
“I dunno,” you said, feigning indifference. “It’s not like he likes me or anything. Far from it.”
“Right, right,” Kuai laughed. “Is that what you heard the other day when one of the girls confessed to him?”
You choked.
“Huh?” You whipped toward him, eyes wide.
Tomás burst out laughing. “Yeah. Some girl confessed to him and he shut her down hard.” He shook his head, a mix of pity and amusement crossing his face. “Poor thing was so nervous too.”
Kuai nodded, grinning. “Real brutal about it.”
You swallowed. “Oh.”
“Too bad for her,” Tomás continued, far too casually. “He already likes someone else.”
“And then,” Kuai added, clearly enjoying himself, “she started crying and yelling at him afterward.”
“What?” You blinked, genuinely confused. “Why?”
Tomás shrugged. “She started accusing him of leading her on. Said he was cruel for making people think they had a chance when they clearly didn’t.”
Your brows knit together in confusion.
“And the best part,” Kuai added thoughtfully, “was when she absolutely flamed him for being a coward. For not being honest about his feelings for you.”
Your jaw dropped.
“No way,” you said flatly. “You’re lying.”
“Nope,” Tomás replied, far too pleased. “That actually happened.”
Kuai laughed. “Yeah. And Bi-Han denied it, like he always does. Which just made her even angrier.” He shook his head. “Honestly, it was impressive. Front-row entertainment.”
“Damn,” you muttered, then pouted. “And you're telling me I missed it?”
Both of them laughed at that.
“I still think you should just go up to him and confess,” Kuai said after a moment. “He’ll never do it himself.”
You stared at him like he’d lost his mind. “Are you crazy? After what he did to her?” You shook your head. “You’re hilarious.”
You tapped a finger against your chin, thinking. Then you shrugged.
“What if we make him jealous?”
The laughter died instantly.
Tomás and Kuai went quiet, exchanging a slow look.
Then, almost in sync, they turned back to you.
Something dangerous sparked in their eyes.
“Oh,” Tomás said slowly. “That could work.”
Kuai smiled.
“…You guys are going to make me regret suggesting that, aren’t you?” you muttered.
Both of them smiled at you, painfully innocent.
“Not at all.”
That should have worried you more.
The three of you quickly pieced together a semi-solid plan to make Bi-Han jealous. Questionable ethics. High risk. Excellent potential payoff.
Tomás volunteered first.
“I’ll be more touchy,” he said, shrugging. “Arm around you. Casual. Constant.”
“He hates it whenever we hug,” he added, rolling his eyes. “This? He’s going to despise this.”
Kuai nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll handle the flirting.”
You stared at him.
“Nothing serious,” he continued easily. “Just teasing. Compliments. Maybe loud enough for him to overhear.”
He shrugged. “I can survive a possible assassination attempt for some misunderstood smooth talk.” A pause. “All for love, I guess.”
“You? Flirting?” you snorted.
Kuai raised a brow, tilting his head at you.
You laughed. “Okay, okay. You’re right. I forget you’re a man-whore who talks his way into bed.”
“Exactly,” Kuai said smugly.
“Disgusting,” Tomás muttered, shaking his head.
You and Kuai both turned to stare at him, brows raised in perfect unison.
Tomás sighed and lifted his hands in mock surrender. “You’re right. I’m just as bad.” He grinned, then casually wrapped an arm around your shoulders. “You ready, princess?” he purred.
“Ew,” you said immediately, shoving him away with a laugh. “This is a terrible plan.”
“But it’s going to work,” Kuai insisted.
You hoped he was right.
It lasted far longer than you expected.
You had to give it to Bi-Han. The man truly had the patience of a glacier.
Days passed. Then more. Tomás stayed glued to your side, arm always draped over you like it belonged there. Kuai laid on the charm thick whenever Bi-Han was within earshot, compliments tossed out just a little too loud, smiles just a little too familiar.
And Bi-Han?
Nothing.
No outbursts. No snapping. No icy remarks.
Just clenched jaws. Lingering stares. And hands balled tight enough at his sides to suggest this calm was hanging by a thread.
A very thin one.
Eventually, you started to wonder if this had been a mistake. Even the brothers were beginning to second-guess whether the plan would work at all.
But thankfully, your suffering did not go unrewarded.
You were in the dining hall, wiping down the tables and stacking dishes, when you heard the unmistakable sound of boots against stone.
The air shifted.
Colder. Sharper.
You turned toward the entrance just as Bi-Han stepped inside, a faint scowl already etched into his features.
When he noticed you, it deepened.
He stopped where he stood, arms crossing over his chest, lips pressed into a thin line as he watched you in silence.
“Bi-Han,” you greeted softly, offering him a polite smile, deliberately casual. “I wasn’t expecting you here so late. Sorry, I’ll clean up quickly and be out of your way.”
He didn’t respond.
His gaze stayed locked on you, dark and intense, like he was weighing something heavy in his mind.
“What are you trying to achieve?” he murmured, voice low.
You paused mid-motion and turned toward him, tilting your head slightly. “…Sorry?”
“What,” he repeated, taking a slow step closer. Then another. “Do you think you’ll achieve with all this nonsense,” he muttered through gritted teeth.
You stayed quiet, studying him. Really looking this time.
His posture was rigid, jaw tight, shoulders squared like he was bracing for impact rather than starting a conversation.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you said carefully.
His eyes narrowed.
“You do,” he said flatly. “You might be careless, but you’re not stupid.”
Another step closer. Close enough now that you could feel the cold rolling off him.
“This,” he gestured vaguely between you and the space where Tomás and Kuai were usually lurking, “this sudden behavior. The way you look past me. The way you let them—”
He stopped himself, breath sharp.
“You’re doing it on purpose.”
The accusation hung between you, heavy and undeniable.
“And if I am?” you asked dismissively, turning back to your task. “What’s it to you?”
“What’s it to—”
Bi-Han sucked in a sharp breath, cutting himself off as he fought to rein in the anger and jealousy boiling dangerously close to the surface.
“I don’t know why you suddenly care what kind of relationship I have with your brothers,” you continued flatly, shooting him a brief, unimpressed glance. “It’s not like I’m yours.”
The words landed sharp.
Bi-Han growled, the sound low and unrestrained. “Those are my brothers,” he snapped. “And you’re flaunting yourself around with them.”
He took another step closer. “They don’t care for you the way you think they do.”
You let out a quiet, humorless laugh.
“And you supposedly do?” you asked dryly. “How ironic.”
Bi-Han grit his teeth, logic abandoning him entirely. His hand snapped out, gripping your waist roughly as he spun you to face him, hauling you close until there were only inches between you.
His eyes burned with something raw and unrestrained. A look you never thought you’d see on him.
“You’re playing a dangerous game,” he muttered, voice low and tight. “I suggest you stop while I’m still giving you the chance.”
You bared your teeth at him. “And who are you to demand that?” you snapped. “News flash, Bi-Han— I can do whatever I want. I can fuck your brothers if I want.”
His grip tightened.
“You will not,” he snarled. “Why can’t you understand that simple fact?”
“Because you’re making bullshit demands,” you shot back. “You don’t get to control me.”
“Because you’re mine,” he seethed.
The words hit like a slap.
“Am I?” you fired back. “Last I checked, I’m just a ‘useful clan member’ who gets results for the Lin Kuei. Someone you only see, at best, as a friend.”
Bi-Han went completely still.
“You can’t stand the idea of us together,” you continued, voice shaking with restrained fury. “I hear it every time you shut it down. Every time you talk down about even the thought of it. So tell me, Bi-Han,” You spat his name like a curse. “Where in this godforsaken world did you get the delusional idea that I’m yours… when you don’t even like me?”
The two of you stayed locked in place, anger and frustration simmering thickly in the air between you. Bi-Han’s jaw was clenched tight, his grip still firm, while you ground your teeth together, refusing to look away.
“…You heard that?” Bi-Han muttered at last, voice low.
You scoffed, eyes flashing. “You weren’t exactly quiet about it.”
Something in his expression faltered. He let out a slow breath and finally released your waist, his hand lingering for half a second too long before dropping away. He nodded once, gaze shifting aside as if he needed a moment to steady himself.
“You… weren’t supposed to hear that,” he said, tone clipped, controlled.
You said nothing, only crossing your arms over your chest.
Bi-Han pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “…I do want you,” he admitted quietly, the words barely above a breath. “You’re the only person I can see myself with. I’ve wanted you for a long time.”
You blinked, stunned.
“I said those things because I thought you didn’t feel the same,” he continued, eyes closing briefly. “At least… not the way I do.” He let out a tired sigh. “I thought if I denied it long enough, the feeling would fade. But clearly—”
You surged forward and pressed your lips to his, stealing the words straight from his mouth.
For a heartbeat, he froze.
Then his breath hitched and the tension in his shoulders eased as he kissed you back, all restraint unraveling at once.
The kiss was everything and nothing like you had imagined.
It was rough at first, all the pent-up anger and frustration bleeding through, tangled with years of longing and restraint snapping at once. And yet, beneath it all, there was a gentleness only Bi-Han could give, careful even as he lost himself.
His lips were cool against yours, lightly chapped, wholly unprepared for the soft warmth of your own.
A quiet moan slipped from you as your hands lifted instinctively, sliding around his neck to pull him closer. You melted into him, into the kiss, until Bi-Han let out a low groan, his hands finding your waist again, firm and grounding.
When you finally pulled apart, both of you were breathing hard, foreheads resting together as the moment settled.
“You’re a dumbass,” you murmured breathlessly, fondness coloring the words.
Bi-Han frowned faintly, clearly offended.
“You should’ve just confessed sooner,” you continued softly, nudging your nose against his. “You know that, right?”
Then you smiled.
“I want you too. I have for a while.”
Bi-Han grumbled softly before letting out a quiet sigh. “…I probably should have,” he admitted under his breath.
You laughed lightly, nuzzling your nose against his once more before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. You smiled when he immediately leaned in, chasing your mouth like he wasn’t ready to let go yet.
“How about I finish up here,” you suggested lightly, “and then we can spend the night together?”
Bi-Han looked down at you, his gaze dark but warm, before shaking his head. His arms slipped around your waist, tugging you closer without hesitation.
“The staff will take care of it,” he murmured. “We can go to my room now.”
You laughed softly, nodding as you leaned into him. “Alright. Let’s go before your brothers catch us and start hollering all over the place.”
A faint, rare smile curved his lips as he guided you toward the door.
For once, he didn’t care who saw.
You were finally his, afterall.